Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled); 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara sauce; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Craving something comforting and satisfying after a long day? This Easy Lasagna Recipe hits every note of cheesy, saucy, oven-baked goodness—without the kitchen stress. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftovers that’ll taste even better tomorrow, lasagna is the answer.

This version is made with simple pantry staples, no fancy steps, and delivers the cozy flavors of a slow-simmered Italian dish. Expect layers of creamy ricotta, rich meat sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and a golden cheese crust that bubbles beautifully in the oven. It’s hearty, reliable, and just plain delicious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into layering, get everything ready to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning the ground beef and simmering your tomato sauce mixture. A wide base ensures even cooking and flavor development.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few to mix the ricotta filling and to keep everything organized.
9×13 Baking Dish: The backbone of lasagna assembly. This size allows the perfect noodle-to-filling ratio and ensures even baking.
Aluminum Foil: Vital for the first half of baking to lock in moisture and avoid over-browning the cheese.
Oven Mitts & Spatula: Don’t overlook comfort and safety when pulling this bubbling beauty from the oven.

Prep your ingredients and tools first—you’ll thank yourself when you’re assembling those delicious layers.

Ingredients for the Easy Lasagna Recipe

Each ingredient in this lasagna brings essential character and flavor. Here’s why each one matters:

Lasagna Noodles: The structural backbone of the dish. Choose oven-ready to skip boiling or classic if you prefer a traditional prep.
Ground Beef: The savory base that builds the heartiness of the sauce layer.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and rounds out the meatiness with a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Boosts the sauce with bold, comforting Italian flavor.
Marinara Sauce: A shortcut to deep tomato flavor, balancing acidity and sweetness.
Ricotta Cheese: Offers a creamy, mild counterpoint to the rich meat sauce.
Egg: Mixed with ricotta for a firmer, more structured cheese layer.
Mozzarella Cheese: The classic melt factor that browns and bubbles beautifully on top.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and enhances the umami of the dish.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but brightens and freshens the final bite.

How To Make the Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Build the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease, add minced garlic, and stir in marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, the egg, and a handful of chopped parsley (if using). Stir until smooth. This will be your creamy middle layer.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna

Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a generous top layer of cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

How to Serve and Store Easy Lasagna

Lasagna is best served warm, with that perfect cheese pull and saucy middle layers intact. A fresh sprinkle of parsley or basil adds a touch of brightness. Pair it with a simple side salad and garlic bread to round out the meal.

If you’re serving for a gathering, pre-slice it after resting to keep clean layers. For individual servings, reheat slices in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melty again.

For storing, allow the lasagna to cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake covered at 375°F until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain the cooked beef thoroughly and let the sauce simmer to reduce extra moisture. Also, allow the lasagna to rest after baking so the layers can set.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the full dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add 10 extra minutes to the cook time.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute with cottage cheese for a similar texture, or even use a bechamel sauce if you want a creamier profile.

Do I have to cook the noodles first?

Not if you’re using oven-ready noodles. For regular noodles, boil them until al dente before layering.

How do I know when lasagna is done?

The cheese on top should be golden and bubbling, and a knife inserted in the center should come out hot.

What’s the best way to freeze leftover lasagna?

Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Easy Lasagna Recipe, there are plenty more cozy, hearty dishes worth exploring.

You might love the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a spicy, tangy twist on tradition. Or try the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti if you’re after ultra-creamy pasta layers baked to perfection.

For something just as filling but with a different vibe, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is rich and saucy, making it a great weeknight choice. The Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni offers a savory blend of creamy Alfredo and garlicky sausage.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper into tomato-based dishes, the Rigatoni Bolognese brings big flavor in a simpler format with the same classic notes.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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When you make it, I’d really love to know how it turned out! Did you go heavy on the cheese? Add a layer of spinach? Leave a comment below and share your twist.

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